Stents and methods for repairing pipes

ABSTRACT

Example aspects of a stent for repairing a pipe and a method for repairing a pipe are disclosed. The stent can comprise a spring, the spring defining an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface defining a void; and a seal on the outer surface of the spring; the stent configurable in a compressed orientation, wherein the spring is compressed, and an expanded orientation, wherein the spring is expanded.

RELATED U.S. APPLICATION DATA

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/651,985, filed on Apr. 3, 2018, which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to the field of pipe repair. More specifically,this disclosure relates to a stent for repairing a pipe.

BACKGROUND

Piping systems, including municipal water systems, can develop breaks inpipe walls that can cause leaking. Example of breaks in a pipe wall caninclude radial cracks, axial cracks, point crack, etc. Repairing a breakin a pipe wall often requires the piping system to be shut off, whichcan be inconvenient for customers and costly for providers. Further,repairs can necessitate grandiose construction, including the digging upof streets, sidewalks, and the like, which can be costly andtime-consuming.

SUMMARY

It is to be understood that this summary is not an extensive overview ofthe disclosure. This summary is exemplary and not restrictive, and it isintended neither to identify key or critical elements of the disclosurenor delineate the scope thereof. The sole purpose of this summary is toexplain and exemplify certain concepts off the disclosure as anintroduction to the following complete and extensive detaileddescription.

Disclosed is a stent comprising a spring, the spring defining an outersurface and an inner surface, the inner surface defining a void; and aseal on the outer surface of the spring; the stent configurable in acompressed orientation, wherein the spring is compressed, and anexpanded orientation, wherein the spring is expanded.

Also disclosed is a pipe assembly comprising a pipe comprising an innerwall, the inner wall defining a first void; and a stent comprising aspring and a seal, the stent configurable in a compressed orientationand an expanded orientation, the seal defining an outer surface, theouter surface engaging the inner wall in the expanded configuration.

A method of repairing a pipe is also disclosed, the method comprisingcompressing a stent, the stent comprising a spring and a seal; insertingthe stent into the pipe; positioning the stent proximate a leak in thepipe; and expanding the stent.

Various implementations described in the present disclosure may includeadditional systems, methods, features, and advantages, which may notnecessarily be expressly disclosed herein but will be apparent to one ofordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following detaileddescription and accompanying drawings. It is intended that all suchsystems, methods, features, and advantages be included within thepresent disclosure and protected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and components of the following figures are illustrated toemphasize the general principles of the present disclosure.Corresponding features and components throughout the figures may bedesignated by matching reference characters for the sake of consistencyand clarity.

FIG. 1 is an end view of a first aspect of a stent comprising a springand a seal, according to the present disclosure, wherein the stent is inan expanded configuration.

FIG. 2 is an end view of the spring of the stent of FIG. 1 in acompressed configuration.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the spring of the stent of FIG. 1 in a rolledconfiguration.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the spring of the stent of FIG. 1 in anunrolled configuration.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another aspect of the stent, accordingto the present disclosure, with the stent in the expanded configurationwithin a pipe.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the stent of FIG. 5 in the expandedconfiguration within the pipe of FIG. 5, the stent comprising a secondsealing layer.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a spring of the stent of FIG. 5 formedin a piece of sheet material.

FIG. 8 is a front view of the spring of the stent of FIG. 5 in anunrolled configuration.

FIG. 9 is another aspect of a spring according to the present disclosurein an unrolled configuration.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of another aspect of the stent according tothe present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure can be understood more readily by reference tothe following detailed description, examples, drawings, and claims, andthe previous and following description. However, before the presentdevices, systems, and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is tobe understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specificdevices, systems, and/or methods disclosed unless otherwise specified,and, as such, can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that theterminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularaspects only and is not intended to be limiting.

The following description is provided as an enabling teaching of thepresent devices, systems, and/or methods in its best, currently knownaspect. To this end, those skilled in the relevant art will recognizeand appreciate that many changes can be made to the various aspects ofthe present devices, systems, and/or methods described herein, whilestill obtaining the beneficial results of the present disclosure. Itwill also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the presentdisclosure can be obtained by selecting some of the features of thepresent disclosure without utilizing other features. Accordingly, thosewho work in the art will recognize that many modifications andadaptations to the present disclosure are possible and can even bedesirable in certain circumstances and are a part of the presentdisclosure. Thus, the following description is provided as illustrativeof the principles of the present disclosure and not in limitationthereof.

As used throughout, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” includeplural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus,for example, reference to “an element” can include two or more suchelements unless the context indicates otherwise.

Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value,and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range isexpressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/orto the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed asapproximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understoodthat the particular value forms another aspect. It will be furtherunderstood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant bothin relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the otherendpoint.

For purposes of the current disclosure, a material property or dimensionmeasuring about X or substantially X on a particular measurement scalemeasures within a range between X plus an industry-standard uppertolerance for the specified measurement and X minus an industry-standardlower tolerance for the specified measurement. Because tolerances canvary between different materials, processes and between differentmodels, the tolerance for a particular measurement of a particularcomponent can fall within a range of tolerances.

As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” mean that thesubsequently described event or circumstance can or cannot occur, andthat the description includes instances where said event or circumstanceoccurs and instances where it does not.

The word “or” as used herein means any one member of a particular listand also includes any combination of members of that list. Further, oneshould note that conditional language, such as, among others, “can,”“could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, orotherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intendedto convey that certain aspects include, while other aspects do notinclude, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditionallanguage is not generally intended to imply that features, elementsand/or steps are in any way required for one or more particular aspectsor that one or more particular aspects necessarily include logic fordeciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether thesefeatures, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed inany particular aspect.

Disclosed are components that can be used to perform the disclosedmethods and systems. These and other components are disclosed herein,and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions,groups, etc. of these components are disclosed that while specificreference of each various individual and collective combinations andpermutation of these may not be explicitly disclosed, each isspecifically contemplated and described herein, for all methods andsystems. This applies to all aspects of this application including, butnot limited to, steps in disclosed methods. Thus, if there are a varietyof additional steps that can be performed it is understood that each ofthese additional steps can be performed with any specific aspect orcombination of aspects of the disclosed methods.

Disclosed in the present application is a stent for repairing a pipe andassociated methods, systems, devices, and various apparatus. Exampleaspects of the stent can comprise a spring and a sealing layer. It wouldbe understood by one of skill in the art that the disclosed stent isdescribed in but a few exemplary aspects among many. No particularterminology or description should be considered limiting on thedisclosure or the scope of any claims issuing therefrom.

FIG. 1 illustrates a first aspect of a stent 100, according to thepresent disclosure. The stent 100 can comprise a spring 110 and asealing layer 130. Example aspects of the stent 100 can be expandableand compressible, such that the stent 100 can be oriented in an expandedconfiguration 102, as shown in FIG. 1, and a compressed configuration204, as shown in FIG. 2. (Note that in FIG. 2, the sealing layer 130 isremoved for visibility of the spring 110.) According to example aspects,the stent 100 can be expanded within a pipe 550 (shown in FIG. 5) suchthat the sealing layer 130 can engage an inner wall 552 of the pipe 550.In a pipe 550 where a crack 554 (shown in FIG. 5) or other damage ispresent, the sealing layer 130 can create a watertight seal between thestent 100 and the inner surface of the pipe 550 at the location of thedamage to prevent leaking at the damage site.

As shown in FIG. 1, the spring 110 can bias the stent 100 to theexpanded configuration 102. In the depicted aspect, the spring 110 canbe formed as a substantially tubular mesh structure 111 definingopposing open ends 112 a,b. The spring 110 can further define an outersurface 314 (best seen in FIG. 3) and an opposite inner surface 116. Theinner surface 116 can define an inner diameter of the spring 110 and theouter surface 314 can define an outer diameter of the spring 110.Furthermore, the inner surface 116 can define a void 120 extendingbetween the open ends 112 a,b of the spring 110 and an axis 122extending through a center of the void 120. The opposing open ends 112a,b of the spring 110 can allow for fluid flow through the void 120.Moreover, the spring 110 can define a spring force. In some aspects, thespring 110 can be formed from a plastic material, such as, for example,nylon, POM (polyoxymethylene), or PVC (polyvinyl chloride). In otheraspects, the spring 110 can be formed from a metal material, such asstainless steel, spring steel, aluminum, nitinol, cobalt chromium, orany other suitable material. Optionally, the material can be an NSFcertified material that can comply with various public health safetystandards. For example, in some aspects, the material can be approved assafe for use in drinking-water applications. Furthermore, in someaspects, the spring can comprise a corrosion-resistant coating. In someaspects, instead of the spring 110, the stent can comprise a balloon forbiasing the stent 100 from the compressed configuration 204 to theexpanded configuration 102, or any other suitable mechanism forexpanding the stent 100.

In example aspects, the sealing layer 130 can be formed as a continuous,tubular sleeve structure 131 defining an outer surface 132 and an innersurface 134. The inner surface 134 can define an inner diameter of thesealing layer 130, and the outer surface 132 can define an outerdiameter of the sealing layer 130. The outer diameter of the sealinglayer 130 can be defined as the diameter of the stent 100 (the “stentdiameter”). The inner surface 134 of the sealing layer 130 can engagethe outer surface 314 of the spring 110. In some aspects, the sealinglayer 130 can wrap around a circumference of the spring 110 and cancover the entire outer surface 314 of the spring 110, as shown. However,in other aspects, such as the aspect of FIG. 5, the sealing layer 130can wrap around the circumference of the spring 110 and can cover only aportion of the outer surface 314 of the spring 110. In still otheraspects, the sealing layer 130 does not wrap around the entirecircumference of the spring 110.

Example aspects of the sealing layer 130 can comprise a flexible andcompressible material, such as, for example, neoprene. In other aspects,the sealing layer 130 can be formed from another synthetic rubbermaterial such as EPDM rubber, natural rubber, foam, epoxy, silicone, aresin-soaked cloth, or any other suitable flexible material forproviding a watertight seat between the stent 100 and the inner wall 552of the pipe 550 (pipe 550 shown in FIG. 5). According to exampleaspects, the inner diameter of the sealing layer 130 can substantiallymatch or be slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the spring 110,such that the sealing layer 130 can fit snugly on the spring 110. Thesealing layer 130 in some aspects can be coupled to the spring 110 by afastener (not shown), such as, for example, stitching, adhesives, ties,or any other suitable fastener known in the art.

In the expanded configuration 102, as shown in FIG. 1, the spring forcecan bias the spring 110 and the sealing layer 130 radially outwardrelative to the axis 122, such that each of the spring 110 and sealinglayer 130 define the relatively tubular shapes, as shown. In theexpanded configuration 102, the stent 100 can define its largestpossible stent diameter. In the compressed configuration 204, as shownin FIG. 2, a compression force can be applied to the outer surface 132of the sealing layer 130 by a compression mechanism (not shown). Thecompression force can overcome the spring force, and the sealing layer130 and spring 110 can compress or fold radially inward towards the void120 to define a smaller stent diameter and a smaller overall stentvolume than in the expanded configuration 102 (shown in FIG. 1). Whenthe compression force is removed or reduced to less than the springforce, the spring force can bias the stent 100 back to the expandedconfiguration 102. In other aspects, instead of a compression force, atension force (i.e., a pulling force) or any other suitable force can beapplied the stent 100 to bias the stent 100 to the compressedconfiguration 204.

An expansion ratio can be defined as the ratio between the stentdiameter in the expanded configuration 102 and the stent diameter in thecompressed configuration 204. In example aspects, the expansion ratiocan be between about 1.2/1 and 3/1. In other aspects, the expansionratio can be between about 1.4/1 and 2.4/1. In still other aspects, theexpansion ratio can be about 2/1. As will be described in further detailbelow, in the compressed configuration 204, the reduced stent diametercan allow for easier insertion of the stent 100 into a pipeline (notshown) and easier navigation of the stent 100 through the pipeline.

Example aspects of the spring 110 can be oriented in a rolledconfiguration 140 for use, as shown in FIGS. 1-3, and an unrolledconfiguration 442, as shown in FIG. 4. In example aspects, the spring110 can be manufactured in the unrolled configuration 442, and rolledinto the rolled configuration 140 thereafter for use. Referring to FIG.4, in the unrolled configuration 442, the spring 110 can besubstantially flat and can define a first end 444 and an opposing secondend 446. Example aspects of the spring 110 can be rolled into the rolledconfiguration 140 from the unrolled configuration 442. The first end 444of the spring 110 can be coupled to the second end 446 to retain thespring 110 in the rolled configuration 140, as shown in FIG. 3.According to example aspects, the first end 444 can be coupled to thesecond end 446 by a fastener, such as, for example, one or more nut andbolt assemblies 248, as best seen in FIG. 2. In other aspects, thefastener can be adhesives, clips, snaps, ties, or any other suitablefastener or combination of fasteners know in the art.

FIG. 5 illustrates the stent 100 according to another aspect of thedisclosure, wherein the stent 100 is in the expanded configuration 102within a void 556 of the pipe 550. The pipe 550 is illustrated astranslucent for improved visibility of the stent 100. The void 556 canbe defined by the inner wall 552 of the pipe. Like the stent 100 of FIG.1, the stent 100 of the current aspect comprises the spring 110 and thesealing layer 130. In the present aspect, the spring 110 can be awave-pattern spring 510. The wave-pattern spring 510 can comprise ametal wire 524 defining a wave pattern in the axial direction. Thespring 510 can be rolled into a tubular structure 511 as shown. Thespring 510 in the rolled configuration 140 can define the void 120 andthe axis 122 (shown in FIG. 1) extending through the void 120. Exampleaspects of the void 120 can be concentric to the void 556 of the pipe550. The sealing layer 130 can form the sleeve 131 and can wrap aroundthe circumference of the spring 510, engaging the outer surface 314(shown in FIG. 3) of the spring 510. As shown in the present aspect,portions of the spring 510 can extend beyond the sealing layer 130, suchthat the sealing layer 130 covers only a portion of the outer surface314 of the spring 510. In other aspects, the sealing layer 130 cancompletely cover the outer surface 314 of the spring 510. In still otheraspects, the sealing layer 130 may not extend around the entirecircumference of the spring 510. In the present aspect, the sealinglayer 130 is coupled to the spring 510 by zip ties 560. The zip ties 560can be looped through spring loops 526 formed on the spring 510 and canengage the material of the sealing layer 130 to secure the sealing layer130 to the spring 510. In other aspects, however, a fastener other thanthe zip ties 560 can be used to attach the sealing layer 130 to thespring 510, such as, for example, sewing or an adhesive.

As shown, example aspects of the spring 510 can further comprise one ormore tabs 528 extending inward towards the void 120. Each of the tabs528 can define an opening therethrough. In example aspects, a cable (notshown) can pass through the opening of each of the tabs 528 and can betightened to contract the stent 100 to the compressed configurationthrough tension in the cable. The cable can be cut to release thecontracting force on the stent 100 and to allow the spring 510 to biasthe stent 100 to the expanded configuration 102. In other aspects, thestent 100 can be compressed by another compression or contractionmechanism, such as a compression sleeve, a dissolvable wire, or anyother suitable mechanisms known in the art. In an aspect comprising adissolvable wire, the wire can be dissolved by electricity, chemicals,water, or any other suitable dissolving mechanism. In still anotheraspect, the compression mechanism can be a hose clamp. In some aspects,the hose clamp or other compression mechanism can comprise a worm drive.

With the stent 100 in the expanded configuration 102 within the pipe550, the outer surface 132 of the sealing layer 130 (shown in FIG. 1)can press against the inner wall 552 of the pipe 550 to retain the stent100 in position relative the pipe 550. Furthermore, the sealing layer130 can press against a crack 554 in the pipe 550, or other damage tothe pipe 550, to seal the crack 554 and prevent leakage at the crack554.

FIG. 6 illustrates the stent 100 of FIG. 5 with a secondary sealinglayer 630. The secondary sealing layer 630 can be formed from the samematerial as the sealing layer 130, or can be formed from a differentmaterial. For example, in one aspect, the sealing layer 130 can beformed from neoprene and the secondary sealing layer 630 can be formedfrom an epoxy. Other aspects of the sealing layer 130 and secondarysealing layer 630 can be formed from other materials. In exampleaspects, the secondary sealing layer 630 can be provided for improvedsealing capability at the site of the crack 554 or other damage. Forexample, the sealing layer 130 can serve as a general sealing solutionand can provide support to the secondary sealing layer 630, while thesecondary sealing layer 630 can serve as a more acute sealing solution.In some example aspects, the secondary sealing layer 630 can comprise acompliant material that can be pressed into the crack 554 or otherdamage. Furthermore, in some aspects, the sealing layer 130 can comprisea less compliant material configured to provide structure to the stentand support to the secondary sealing layer.

An example aspect of a method for using the stent 100 is also disclosed.A compression force (or contraction force in some instances) can beapplied to the stent 100 to orient the stent 100 in the compressedconfiguration 204, wherein the stent 100 has a reduced stent diameter ascompared to the stent diameter in the expanded configuration 102. In oneaspect, the compression force can be applied by a compression sleeve(not shown) having a smaller diameter than the stent diameter in theexpanded configuration 102. In other aspects, the compression force canbe applied by cables, ties, or another suitable compression mechanism.

In the compressed configuration 204, the reduced stent diameter andreduced stent volume can allow for easy insertion of the stent 100 intothe pipeline (not shown) and navigation through the pipeline. Thepipeline can comprise one or more pipes, such as the pipe 550 shown inFIG. 5. According to example aspects, the pipeline can transport a fluidalong the pipeline, such as, for example, water, oil, or natural gas.The stent 100 can be inserted into the pipeline in the compressedconfiguration 204 at an existing access point. In an example aspect, theexisting access point can be a fire hydrant. In other aspects, theexisting access point can be the entrance or exit of the pipeline, aservice entrance, or another suitable point of entry that allows foreasy insertion of the stent 100 into the pipeline.

Once inserted into the pipeline, the stent 100 can be mechanicallydriven or motor-driven through the pipeline to the location of the crack554 or other damage. In instances where the stent 100 is moving throughthe pipeline in the direction of the fluid flow, a current of the fluidcan assist in moving the stent 100 through the pipeline. As the stent100 moves through the pipeline, fluid in the pipeline can continue toflow around and/or through the compressed stent 100. As such, the flowof fluid in the pipeline can continue uninterrupted as the stent 100 isnavigated through the pipeline. Such a configuration prevents the needto shut off the fluid flow during repairs, which can save costs for theservice provider and prevent interruption of service to customers.Furthermore, inserting the stent 100 into the pipeline at an existingaccess point and remotely navigating the stent 100 through the pipelinecan eliminate the need to dig up the surrounding terrain to access thedamaged pipe, which can save time and costs when performing repairs.

The compressed stent 100 can be positioned in the pipeline proximate tothe crack 554 in the pipe 550. The compression force applied to thestent 100 by the compression sleeve, or other compression mechanism, canbe removed or reduced, such that the spring force can bias the stent 100to the expanded configuration 102. In the expanded configuration 102,the outer surface 132 of the sealing layer 130 of the stent 100 cancontact the inner wall 552 of the pipe 550 and can press against thecrack 554 to create a watertight seal and prevent leakage at the cracklocation. In some aspects, a portion of the sealing layer 130 can bepushed into the crack 554 for an improved seal. In example aspects,fluid pressure from the fluid flow in the pipeline can also assist inbiasing the stent 100 against the inner wall 552 of the pipe 550.

With the stent 100 positioned in the pipe 550 in the expandedconfiguration 102, fluid in the pipeline can flow through the void 120in the stent 100. Example aspects of the stent 100 can be sized andshaped to fit tightly in the pipeline in the expanded configuration 102.For example, in one aspect, the stent diameter in the fully expandedconfiguration 102 can be slightly greater than a diameter of the innerwall 552 of the pipe 550. The tight fit of the stent 100 within the pipe550, along with fluid pressure against the stent 100, can aid inretaining the stent 100 in position at the location of the crack 554 orother damage. In some aspects, the stent 100 in the expandedconfiguration 102 can also serve to add structural integrity to the pipe550. In such aspects, the stent 100 can be formed from materials of asufficient strength and can be provided with a sufficient spring forcefor providing structural support to the pipe 550 at the location of thestent 100. Some aspects of the stent 100 further can include a fastenerfor attaching the stent 100 to the inner wall 552 of the pipe 550, suchas, for example, an adhesive. However, in other aspects, any othersuitable fastener known in the art can be used to attach the stent 100to the pipe 550.

Example aspects of the spring 110 can be cut from a sheet 770 ofmaterial. Referring to FIG. 7, the spring 510 of FIG. 5 can be cut froma flat sheet 770 of metal material, such as, for example, stainlesssteel. Other aspects of the spring 510 can be formed from a sheet 770 ofanother material, such as spring steel, aluminum, plastic, nitinol, orany other suitable material in sheet form. A pattern of the spring 510,such as the wave pattern 772 depicted, can be etched, stamped, orotherwise cut into the sheet 770, and any excess sheet material 774 canbe removed.

In another aspect, the spring 110 can be formed from a wire (not shown)and worked into the wave-pattern shape of the wave-pattern spring 510.For example, the wire can be hot worked or cold worked into thewave-pattern shape. In other aspects, the wire can be worked intoanother desired spring shape. Furthermore, in example aspects, afterworking the wire into the desired shape, the spring 110 can be heattreated to allow the spring 110 to retain a spring temper.

FIG. 8 illustrates the spring 510 in the unrolled configuration 442 withthe excess sheet material 774 removed. As shown, the spring 510 candefine the first end 444 and the opposite second end 446. The first end444 can define a pair of L-shaped hooks 880 extending downwardlytherefrom, relative to the orientation shown. The second end 446 candefine a pair of mating L-shaped hooks 882 extending upwardly therefrom,relative to the orientation shown. The spring 510 can be rolled todefine the tubular structure 511 shown in FIG. 5, and the hooks 880 atthe first end 444 can engage the mating hooks 882 at the second end 446to retain the spring 510 in the rolled configuration 140.

FIG. 9 illustrates another aspect of the spring 110. In this aspect, thespring 110 can be a wave pattern spring 910 substantially similar to thespring 510 of FIGS. 5-8; however, the spring 910 can define a length L₂greater than a length L₁ (shown in FIG. 8) of the spring 510. Forexample, in one aspect, the spring 510 can define a length L₁ of betweenabout 5 inches and 7 inches, and in other aspects, the spring 510 candefine a length L₁ of about 6 inches. Furthermore, in one aspect, thespring 910 can define a length L₂ of between about 7 inches and 9inches, and in other aspects, the spring 910 can define a length L₂ ofabout 8 inches. In other aspects, the lengths L₁, L₂ of the springs510,910, respectively, can be greater or less than the example aspectsdescribed, and this disclosure should not be viewed as limiting.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exploded view of another aspect of the stent 100.As shown, the stent 100 can comprise the spring 110 and the sealinglayer 130. In the present aspect, the spring 110 can be a torsion spring1010. In the compressed configuration, a twisting force can be appliedto the torsion spring 1010, such that a diameter of the torsion spring1010 and the overall stent diameter can be reduced. In the expandedconfiguration, the twisting force can be removed and the torsion spring1010 can spring radially outward, biasing the sealing layer 130 radiallyoutward against the inner wall 552 of the pipe 550 (shown in FIG. 5).

One should note that conditional language, such as, among others, “can,”“could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, orotherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intendedto convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments donot include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, suchconditional language is not generally intended to imply that features,elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more particularembodiments or that one or more particular embodiments necessarilyinclude logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting,whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to beperformed in any particular embodiment.

It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments are merelypossible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clearunderstanding of the principles of the present disclosure. Any processdescriptions or blocks in flow diagrams should be understood asrepresenting modules, segments, or portions of code which include one ormore executable instructions for implementing specific logical functionsor steps in the process, and alternate implementations are included inwhich functions may not be included or executed at all, may be executedout of order from that shown or discussed, including substantiallyconcurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionalityinvolved, as would be understood by those reasonably skilled in the artof the present disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be madeto the above-described embodiment(s) without departing substantiallyfrom the spirit and principles of the present disclosure. Further, thescope of the present disclosure is intended to cover any and allcombinations and sub-combinations of all elements, features, and aspectsdiscussed above. All such modifications and variations are intended tobe included herein within the scope of the present disclosure, and allpossible claims to individual aspects or combinations of elements orsteps are intended to be supported by the present disclosure.

That which is claimed is:
 1. A stent for repairing a pipe comprising: aspring defining a tubular mesh structure, the spring defining an outersurface and an inner surface, the inner surface defining a void; and aseal wrapped around the outer surface of the spring; the stentconfigurable in a compressed orientation, wherein the spring iscompressed, and an expanded orientation, wherein the spring is expanded,the spring biasing the stent to the expanded orientation against aninner surface of the pipe.
 2. The stent of claim 1, wherein acompression force is applied to the stent in the compressed orientationby a compression mechanism.
 3. The stent of claim 2, wherein thecompression mechanism is selected from one of a compression sleeve, acable, a hose clamp, and a dissolvable wire.
 4. The stent of claim 1,wherein a diameter of the stent in the compressed orientation is smallerthan a diameter of the stent in the expanded orientation.
 5. The stentof claim 1, wherein the spring comprises at least one of stainlesssteel, spring steel, nitinol, aluminum, nylon, polyoxymethylene, andpolyvinyl chloride.
 6. The stent of claim 1, wherein the seal comprisesa flexible material, the flexible material comprising at least one offoam, natural rubber, synthetic rubber, epoxy, a resin-soaked cloth, andsilicone.
 7. The stent of claim 1, wherein the stent defines acylindrical structure in the expanded orientation, the cylindricalstructure defining a pair of opposing open ends.
 8. The stent of claim1, wherein the seal is attached to the spring by a fastener.
 9. Thestent of claim 1, wherein the spring configurable in an unrolledconfiguration and a rolled configuration, the spring defining a firstend and a second end, the first end attached to the second end in therolled configuration.
 10. The stent of claim 1, wherein the springcomprises sheet metal.
 11. A pipe assembly comprising: a pipe comprisingan inner wall, the inner wall defining a first void; and a stentcomprising a spring and a seal, the spring defining a mesh structure andthe seal wrapping around the spring, the stent configurable in acompressed orientation and an expanded orientation, the seal defining anouter surface, the outer surface engaging the inner wall in the expandedconfiguration.
 12. The pipe assembly of claim 11, wherein the inner walldefines an inner diameter of the pipe and the seal defines an outerdiameter of the stent.
 13. The pipe assembly of claim 12, wherein theouter diameter of the stent in the compressed orientation is smallerthan the inner diameter of the pipe.
 14. The pipe assembly of claim 12,wherein the outer diameter of the stent in the expanded orientation isgreater than or equal to the inner diameter of the pipe.
 15. The pipeassembly of claim 11, wherein the spring defines an inner springsurface, the inner spring surface defining a second void, the secondvoid concentric to the first void.
 16. A method for repairing a pipecomprising: compressing a stent, the stent comprising a spring and aseal, wherein the spring defines a mesh structure and the seal wrapsaround the spring; inserting the stent into the pipe; positioning thestent proximate to a leak in the pipe; and biasing the stent outwardwith the spring to cover the leak with the seal.
 17. The method of claim16, wherein compressing the stent comprises applying a compression forceto the stent with a compression mechanism.
 18. The method of claim 17,wherein biasing the stent outward with the spring comprises one ofremoving and reducing the compression force.
 19. The method of claim 16,wherein biasing the stent outward with the spring comprises biasing theseal against the leak with the spring.